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Discover Downtown Gloversville

  • Jennifer Donovan
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: How Gloversville’s Glove Theatre Connects Wicked to a Real-Life Munchkin


Get ready, Oz fans! With the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good movie hitting theaters next month, the excitement for all things Glinda and Elphaba is hitting a peak. But before you fly to the big screen, your local Glove Theatre is giving you a chance to celebrate the musical—and revisit a forgotten piece of local history—right here in Gloversville.

Wear Costumes and Sing with "Wicke" at The Glove Theatre.
Wear Costumes and Sing with "Wicke" at The Glove Theatre.

The Event: A Free Wicked Sing-Along

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m., The Glove Theatre is hosting a free sing-along screening of the film version of Wicked.


This is more than just a movie night; it’s a full event. Get your robes, hats, and green makeup ready because there will be a costume contest with cash prizes! If Oz fever is taking hold, this is your chance to shine and show off your best Elphaba or Glinda look.


The Gloversville Connection: The Mayfield Munchkin

The Glove Theatre, a cultural hub since 1914, has a deep connection to the original Land of Oz tale. With all the buzz around Wicked, it’s the perfect time to remember Gloversville’s own link to the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz—through Cynthia Nickloy, known locally as the “Mayfield Munchkin.”

Cynthia Nickloy of Mayfield was in the original "Wizard of Oz" movie.
Cynthia Nickloy of Mayfield was in the original "Wizard of Oz" movie.

Cynthia, a native of Mayfield, started her career as the circus performer “Princess Marguerite” before being cast in the film. After the movie’s premiere, she did something truly special: she appeared right here at The Glove Theatre on stage to introduce the feature and share her experience as one of the Munchkins.


Cynthia later settled in Gloversville and is now buried in the pauper section of Prospect Hill Cemetery, accessible by Pearl Street.

Cynthia's resting place is in Prospect Hill Cemetery, with easier access off Pearl Street.
Cynthia's resting place is in Prospect Hill Cemetery, with easier access off Pearl Street.

Two Oz Stories, One Historic Stage

This weekend’s Wicked Sing-Along creates a powerful moment of symmetry. When you enter the theatre, you’ll be sitting in the same historic venue that once hosted its predecessor.


Those enjoying the modern Oz tale will be looking up at the very same Glove Theatre stage that Cynthia Nickloy, the “Mayfield Munchkin,” graced in 1939. This single stage connects two beloved stories related to the Land of Oz, spanning over 85 years, tethering them directly to the history of Gloversville.

The historic Glove Theatre
The historic Glove Theatre

This weekend’s screening is more than a celebration of the Broadway favorite. It provides an ideal backdrop to reflect on the legacy of The Wizard of Oz, its connection to our community, and how the story continues to resonate today. It's a nod to the local ties that help make Gloversville’s story shine.



Stay. Play. Explore. Live.


Discover Downtown Gloversville


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